The University of Sassari (UNISS) has successfully completed its annual excavation campaigns at three protohistoric sites of great importance in Sardinia. Led by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, these investigations have shed light on the construction and organization of temples and sanctuaries that characterize the island from the end of the Bronze Age to the early Iron Age (12th-8th centuries B.C.).

One of the most significant discoveries has been made in Iloi, Sedilo (Oristano), where the excavations have revealed a previously hidden bastion of the Nuragic complex. Under the direction of Anna Depalmas, the team uncovered the remains of a cult building, as well as ceramics from the early Iron Age that are either imitations or of Near Eastern origin.

These findings support the theory that the buildings have a cult function linked to metallurgical activities within a complex sanctuary.

Archaeologists excavating in the nuraghe of Ponte-Dualchi
Archaeologists excavating in the nuraghe of Ponte-Dualchi. Credit: UNISS

At the Sos Muros site in Buddusò (Sassari), the excavations have brought to light a circular structure near the temple with a sacred well. According to Giovanna Fundoni, who led the work, the structure appears to have been abandoned after a fire that destroyed its roof. Inside, tools for spinning and weaving were found, as well as ceramics used for the preparation and consumption of food.

The perimeter of a large circular building, approximately 12 meters in diameter, was also highlighted, adding a new dimension to the understanding of cult activities at the site.

At the Dualchi site (Nuoro), the team led by Claudio Bulla has made significant discoveries within a large elliptical building linked to the Nuraghe. The recovered materials, including ceramics and bronze, confirm the existence of the structure between the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age and provide new perspectives on the cultural and technological transition of the era.

The investigations have been a collaboration between students from the University of Sassari and colleagues from the universities of Cagliari, Genoa, Bologna, Pisa, Cádiz, Weimar, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

SOURCES

Università degli Studi di Sassari

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